Security checks a farce? At Chandigarh railway station, entry is ‘free’

Also, there are no checks to determine whether platform tickets have been bought or not. Beggars are a common sight on the platforms.

The most vulnerable is the entry point from Panchkula side that has a deserted patch, meaning easy entry for potential anti-social elements. Anyone can easily walk into the station, even with restricted objects. Apart from the main entrance and the entry from Panchkula side, there are several places from which people can enter the station unchecked.

After the Independence Day security drive began three days ago, a team comprising bomb disposal squad personnel of the Chandigarh police, RPF and GRP with sniffer dogs and bomb detection equipment have been combing the Chandigarh railway station premises, apart from checking trains, railway parcels, luggage and parking lots. However, the enforcement of these security measures only revolve around the afternoon and evening Shatabdi timings. The train often sees VIP passengers or prominent personalities of the city.

However, asked about the issue, Inspector Harnek Singh, SHO, Chandigarh railway station, GRP, said, “People who visit the railway station during lunch hours (1-3 pm), could be complaining. I have examined the arrangements during the drills and all the required security measures are in place.”

“The metal detectors were not functional as the power supply to them have been disconnected by railway officials because of renovation work at the station. This is a temporary issue and will be resolved soon. The GRP have written to the authorities concerned seeking new security equipment for the platform towards Panchkula side,” Singh added.